Jalen Hurts vs Sam Darnold
Two quarterbacks fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
Jalen Hurts- Higher projection: 311 vs 263 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 53 vs 137
- More points per game: 19.1 vs 14.7
Jalen Hurts and Sam Darnold are a common 2026 draft-day decision at quarterback. Jalen Hurts holds the edge in expert consensus (QB5 to QB22). Jalen Hurts typically comes off the board first, around pick 59 (round 5) to Sam Darnold's pick 163. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Jalen Hurts at 311 PPR points (18.3 per game) versus Sam Darnold at 263.
Last season Jalen Hurts carried the heavier workload (98% snap share, 105 touches to Sam Darnold's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Jalen Hurts is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Hurts | Darnold |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 311 | 263 |
| Points / game | 19.1 | 14.7 |
| Games played | 16 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #53 | #137 |
| ADP | 59 | 163 |
| Positional rank | QB9 | QB13 |
| Snap share | 98% | 96% |
| Red-zone touches | 26 | 6 |
| Age | 28 | 29 |
| Bye week | 10 | 11 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Jalen Hurts or Sam Darnold.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Jalen Hurts or Sam Darnold in 2026?
Jalen Hurts is a clear call over Sam Darnold for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, Jalen Hurts or Sam Darnold?
Jalen Hurts carries the higher 2026 projection at 311 PPR points (18.3 per game), compared with 263 for Sam Darnold.
Where are Jalen Hurts and Sam Darnold being drafted?
Jalen Hurts has an ADP around pick 59 (round 5), while Sam Darnold goes closer to pick 163 (round 14).
Who is ranked higher, Jalen Hurts or Sam Darnold?
Expert consensus ranks Jalen Hurts (QB5) ahead of Sam Darnold (QB22) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.